Blue Jays' 'Rookie League' program kicks off 24th season

On Wednesday, July 4th, the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy will launch its 24th season of Rookie League programming at Stan Wadlow Park in East York, Ontario. Rookie League, through a partnership with Jays Care Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada and Toronto Community Housing, operates in 16 cities and 10 provinces serving thousands of kids across Canada. The Toronto program will serve 900 children and youth from 44 different neighbourhoods. �Blue Jays players Ricky Romero, Colby Rasmus, Brett Lawrie, Rajai Davis and J.P. Arencibia serve as Honorary Division Captains and John Farrell as Honorary Manager.

JP Arencibia, Rajai Davis and Ricky Romero will be on hand to welcome participants to Opening Day, lead the boys and girls in game-day stretches and offer encouraging words and baseball tips.

WHAT:��

Blue Jays Baseball Academy Rookie League Opening Day�

WHEN:

Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at�11 a.m.

Media interviews available at approximately 11:00 a.m.

WHO: �

Danielle Bedasse, Executive Director, Jays Care Foundation

Christian Buhagiar, Board of Directors, Toronto Community Housing

Catcher J.P. Arencibia, outfielder Rajai Davis & pitcher Ricky Romero

WHERE:�

Stan Wadlow Park�

888 Cosburn Avenue

East York, ON � ��

About Jays Care Foundation

Since 1992, Jays Care has created opportunities for children and youth in need by providing access to programs that promote regular physical activity, encourage the pursuit of higher education and impart fundamental life skills. The foundation has made possible the building of dedicated, accessible, safe youth spaces for recreational programming, inspiring engagement through the sport of baseball. In 2011 alone, Jays Care contributed more than $1.4 million to initiatives and facilities across Ontario and beyond, and provided 17,000 kids access to vital programs and services through Field of Dreams funding, Grand Slam Grants, the Home Run Scholars program and Rookie League camps. For more information, visit www.bluejays.com/jayscare and follow Jays Care on Twitter: @jayscare.�

About Toronto Community Housing

Toronto Community Housing (www.torontohousing.ca) is Canada's largest social housing provider and home to more than 164,000 tenants with low and moderate incomes�about six per cent of Toronto's population. Toronto Community Housing and its subsidiaries employ 1,400 staff in a broad range of jobs, who deliver its mission to provide affordable housing, connect tenants to services and opportunities, and work together to build healthy communities.�